An allergen is any substance that can cause an allergy. Usually, allergens are harmless for many people. However, some individuals may respond to many common environmental antigens.
Polens
Pollen is a fine to coarse powder containing the microgametophytes of
seed plants, which produce the male gametes (sperm cells). The pollen is
released by the opening of the anther. The pollen is carried by some
agent (wind, or some animal) to the receptive surface of the carpel of
the same or another flower. This process is known as pollination. Many
people with pollen allergies notice symptoms during certain seasons.
Fungal Allergens
Fungal allergies develop when spores of certain fungi cause allergic reactions in people. Mold and mildew are fungi, and is found practically everywhere; outside, in the workplace and even inside our homes. Fungi live off dead plant matter or act as a parasite on other living creatures. Fungi are found in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Everyone is exposed to the same amount of spores but some individuals react more severely to them then others.
Mites
House dust mites are microscope bugs that primarily live on dead skin cells regularly shed from humans and their animal pets. Dust mites are generally harmless to most people. They don't carry diseases, but they can cause allergic reactions in asthmatics and others who are allergic to their feces.
Nearly 100,000 mites can live in one square yard of carpet. In
addition, a single dust mite produces about 20 waste droppings each day,
each containing a protein to which many people are allergic. The
proteins in that combination of feces and shed skin are what cause
allergic reactions in humans. Depending on the person and exposure,
reactions can range from itchy eyes to asthma attacks. And finally,
unlike other types of mites, house dust mites are not parasites, since
they only eat dead tissue.
Animal Allergens
Allergies to animals can take two years or more to develop and may not subside until six months or more after ending contact with the animal. Carpet and furniture are a reservoir for pet allergens, and the allergens can remain in them for four to six weeks. In addition, these allergens can stay in household air for months after the animal has been removed. Therefore, it is wise for people with an animal allergy to check with the landlord or previous owner to find out if furry pets had lived previously on the premises
Cats can cause allergy symptoms without even coming into direct contact with a person. Cats' allergy producing substances (allergen) are primarily in the saliva. These substances dry on the hair after the cat grooms himself or herself. These dried substances then become airborne. Since they are very light, they can stay in the air for a long time. Since they are sticky, they get caught on furniture, walls, carpet and elsewhere.
Cockroach Allergens
Cockroach allergen is believed to derive from feces, saliva and the
bodies of these insects. Cockroaches live all over the world, from
tropical areas to the coldest spots on earth. Studies show that 78
percent to 98 percent of urban homes have cockroaches. Each home has
from 900 to 330,000 of the insects.
Private homes also harbor them, especially if the homes are well
insulated. When one roach is seen in the basement or kitchen, it is safe
to assume that at least 800 roaches are hidden under the kitchen sink,
in closets and the like. They are carried in with groceries, furniture
and luggage used on trips. Once they are in the home, they are hard to
get rid of.
An allergen is any substance that can cause an allergy. Usually, allergens are harmless for many people. However, some individuals may respond to many common environmental antigens.
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